[SchmennaLeigh]

Hi there. Bmom, not an Amom here, popping in to add to conversation.

I've been working on a scrapbook for Munchkin since about the one month mark. I've included poems, entries from my journal during her pregnancy, and pictures. I thought it would be a good gift for her someday when she's "old enough" whenever that may be. Her Aparents love that I'm making such a thing and I hope that she will one day love it as well.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know that you Aparents aren't the only adoption scrapbooking fiends out there.

I think that's great! It would be nice for all birthmoms to do something similar. We haven't been matched yet, but we are hoping at least to get pictures and a letter to the child telling why they were adopted. Great work!

[MkMw]

We gave our sons Birthmom a book (I can't remember the name, but Brenda Romanchik wrote it - I know I got it online - but can't even remember where!)

It's a good guideline- their Birthmom asked if she had to fill the whole thing out that scared her I think. I told her she didn't HAVE to do any of it if she didn't want, but that someday the boys would appreciate (I hope!) it. I know they are working on it, but don't know what the final copy will be like.

[scrapandtell]

I just wanted to let you know that I think it is awesome that you are doing this. I can think of no better (material) gift to your child.

Best wishes!

Jennifer
amom to two from Guatemala

[tigger636715]

Hi all! Another first mom here...and I also did a scrapbook for my son that will turn 21 on May 1st. I worked on it from the time he would have been about 6 or 7 months old. There is alot of love and emotion poured into those pages. He received it today...hand delivered by a friend of mine's son, who is also the same age as my son. I have no idea what his reaction is, or will be...but I can tell you this, I am ever so pleased to have been able to do this for him to let him know about me, and his 3 half siblings that I did raise.

Sometimes, we as first moms, have awkward feelings of how we will be received by our birth children. I know that is not uncommon. I think for me though, my apprehension comes from how his adoptive mom will react also to this piece of love from me. I have no doubt that she will think it is a wonderful idea, but I guess I am asking for the possible reaction of any amom's out there. If your child received this kind of gift from his/her frist mom, how would you feel about it?

I love my son, and I only want the best for him in life. I don't want to try fit into shoes that I had only moments to wear with him, but I would like to build a relationship that is solid by going slow and steady. Let me know your thoughts...I would really appreciate it.

Cheryl